Weekly Running Log

Friday, December 31, 2010

As I began looking over my log for 2010, it was amazing to see how far I had come in my running this year. We've run many races. The funny thing is that there would have been more run had there not been a couple of incidents that occurred. Oh, and if it had been up to Kent, we'd have raced every weekend "somewhere", ha!

This year presented some unforeseen challenges and yet I still achieved 2 PR's in the 5k category and one the 12k category.

Someone posted earlier this year in a forum "Do you think you are a runner and why?" Because I wasn't like many I knew, I couldn't begin to classify myself with this elite group; they were so good. But I thought about this question a lot. And, for the first time, this year I began to see myself as a runner. Before now, I always thought you had to love it, do it all the time, run in adverse conditions, wake up dying to get outside, etc., etc. But I have found that though these things CAN be true it doesn't have to be. No, you are a runner when you want to run, always doing your best and running as often as you can. You care enough about your running to continue trying to improve yourself. You do not have to have reached a certain speed, pace or acquire a certain amount of equipment or even trophies. I always thought that was part of the definition. Then, at sometime during the year, I fell in love with running. My running improved in many ways. I grew as a person through this as well and that's what running is all about...getting to know yourself, the good and the bad. This question and a change of attitude along with encouraging words from a friend helped me see myself as a runner and I am very thankful!

The year began in a training program to run my second half marathon. I was so excited about it and could hardly wait. My endurance had improved and I was enjoying the training. It was fantastic...I felt great! The race began and all was super. I had not run in a Rock 'n Roll race before and I loved it. There's so much excitement going on. A little more than halfway through, the streets took me down when I fell on raised street patchwork. My fall caused a lot: a cracked rib, torn muscle, bloody hands and knees...BUT...it did not break my spirit! As a matter of fact, it made me more determined and steadfast. I can see that this terrible fall actually was a blessing in disguise. As a matter of fact, after the initial shock of the fall, I dusted myself off, trotted a little and then got right back to running to the Finish Line. It will be a race I'll never forget!!

Summer came and I was feeling better to run but the heat and humidity kept me inside on the treadmill because of my allergies. Though that's not my favorite venue for running, the TM was my friend during this time and I stuck with my running. Late summer, I suffered a groin pull that continued to haunt me for months. I didn't let it stop my running but definitely took the necessary steps to not injury it and let it heal. This overshadowed all my fall running. But with laying off occasionally and running slower in races, I pushed through. I evaluate it often and can now say I am over it. I'm thankful I did not have to stop running completely.

I'm not writing this to tell you all my troubles, I'm saying that "because" of issues, you can work through them and either they can make you stronger or you will realize running is not something you want to do. There will be times of running injuries or just injuries of any kind as well as life issues that have to be dealt with. BUT...I've become stronger as a result of them. And, I am thankful that my Mama passed on to me determination genes.

Some stats:2-Half Marathons3-10k's1-12k (PR)14-5k's (2-PR's)

Awards:9-Grand Masters3-First Place3-Second Place2-Third Place

Out of twenty races, there were three that I didn't receive an award for. This is success with good health any way you say it! I'm so thankful!! Things could have been a lot worse.

This year ends with me being more alert to my running skills, armed with running books wearing my ever faithful Garmin watch carrying my laptop researching more and more techniques and "needed" equipment looking forward to each and every run I have a chance to do. 2011 will be embraced with open arms.

I am coming to a close to my training for my first marathon in February, something that has never crossed my mind before! I am happy and healthy and very thankful for fellow runners support, especially my running partner AND mostly my husband!! He is the best! I couldn't be this far without all of them.

I am looking to a great 2011 year with much improvements in my running. I am working on my goals which include a speedier year. Since I've realized I really like running in half marathons, next year I hope to get a PR in that category. Regardless of how it turns out, I hope I can keep a positive attitude and a steadfastness to maintaining a healthy body. Here's to you and all your future successes!! Happy New Year!

Monday, December 20, 2010

To all my friends that know how hard I work, I want to "Thank You" for your encouraging words. Please don't stop during my training! You'll never know how much it helps me as I replay your words over and over in my mind when I run. As my mileage builds each week preparing for the marathon, it gets more and more exciting. I am amazed to see how much my body can take.

Last week I ran a distance I've not done before...15 miles!! This was a milestone for me! It was the most exciting day I've had in a very long time. I remember how running my first double-digit mile (10) made me feel this way, too. And, 15 had me soaring like that one did. I had no idea I would be able to pull it off without walking. That was all I could talk about for days and still do! It just amazed me that I was able to do this. And, on top of that, my birthday was the next day! Now, being 55 and having not run for that long, it really was the icing on my cake.

Running the 15 presented itself with a couple of challenges. These were new for me. First off, my iPod had run down!!! Grrrrr...this has never happened to me before and here I am getting ready to put in a long run with nothing to keep my mind off of any negative things I might experience. The adjustments that had to be made were hearing my foot strikes and hearing my breathing. Without noise to drown these out, it "sounds" like I am laboring. I struggled through the first couple of miles and told Frank I wasn't sure I was going to make it. But we kept going and talking and before long, I didn't hear any of this. The second thing was having to discard some of the extra clothing I layered because it was cool when we started. I mean, before we got to 3 miles the long pants were history!! Wearing them around my waist felt funny but luckily the route we were running took us back by the truck about halfway through so I left them there and felt so freed up again.

All along the run, we'd check with one another to see if the other was feeling okay. We weren't struggling at all. We took our GU's, water and aide and were doing fine...UNTIL we entered the 14th mile. As a matter of fact, we had just commented how well we were feeling and felt the run was going to be uneventful. It was time for another GU about the 13th mile but decided since we were close to finishing and felt so good that we'd not do it...WRONG!! The last half mile we struggled some. Both of us had a great learning curve regarding energy boosts, ha! I honestly believe if we had taken the last GU we'd have finished with flying colors.

We are "trying" to slow our pace down and it is probably the MOST difficult thing we either one have battled so far. All the charts say the absolute fastest we should run is a 10:30 pace and our pace for 15 miles was 10:20. This is something we will work on this next time. All in all, I felt our run was an absolute success!! We hydrated and nourished well during and afterward as we should. On top of that, we neither one was sore the following days...woo-hoo!

As far as the rest of the week, it went well, too. I'm beginning to focus more on core workouts and cross training. From that, I've been a little sore...but a good kind of sore. Adjustments had to be made in my schedule because of being out of town (traveling days) so there was an extra rest day. The week's workout looks like this:

Monday, November 29, 2010

I noticed in my last post about the Kaiser Half Marathon that I had not recorded my time which ended up being 2:11:07 though my Garmin recorded 2:11:10. Regardless, no time can take away how I feel actually placing in a half marathon!

Today, my schedule had 6 miles to run. I didn't think that was bad since I'd rested yesterday. But throughout the night, the wind blew so hard shaking the camper all night long and it continued this morning. Checking the forecast, I knew I wouldn't have long before the rain was to set in today and tomorrow. So, without further ado, I donned my shoes and clothes and headed out. I left the camper and ran through the park to State Park Road #2, turned south to the beach and went east to equal 3 miles then back to the camper for a total of 6 miles.

This was probably one of, if not, the most challenged runs I've had. I'm not talking about a few wind gusts here and there. It blew so hard continuously until I stepped back into the camper and said "done"! My legs were literally burning at the 2 mile mark, they were working so hard to push me through the strong wind. I was running as best I could and actually felt like I was frozen in time, not moving at all. The noise from the wind was also very loud. I always run with my iPod but today the wind was so loud I couldn't hear even a sound from it on the loudest level!! So, this was a no brainer...off it went.

Two things I should have done but didn't...don't ask me why, this should have been a no brainer, too. One was that my hair was down and I should have pulled it back and worn a cap. I really struggled with it getting in my eyes and blinding me. And, two, though it was overcast, I should have worn my sunglasses. I always wear them but I didn't today. They serve more than the obvious purpose of keeping the sun out of my eyes; they protect them from glare (which I suffer from a LOT), they hold my ear pieces for my iPod in my ears, they keep my hair out of my eyes and they keep road dirt from getting in my eyes. I was trying to get on the road fast enough this morning so as to not talk myself out of running today.

When I got back I noticed how terrible I looked. And it is today that I noticed visually just how much of a workout I had had ...and it wasn't from heat and humidity. My face was soaking wet with sweat and a little red, too.

I want to learn to "push through" the tough moments and times as I really think it will strengthen me mentally and physically. I'm so glad I love to run and am glad I do.

Happy trails to you...until I write again...(wonder if Roy was a runner)

Saturday, November 27, 2010

What a wonderful week this has been! It's had its ups and downs but all in all it has turned out to be a good one. I've tried different things in my running to find a comfortable pace for building and running longer distances. Sometimes I like it and other times I do not but I did what I planned for that run. I'm learning discipline though it seems I'm kicking and screaming at times. BUT, I'm learning and that's what it's all about.

I'll have to admit that I was worried about the Kaiser Half Marathon today. I do this every time I've run a half. With tapering a couple of weeks to the race, it makes me feel like it's been so long since I've done a decent distant run that I'm afraid my legs will forget how to go that distance. But they have never failed me and have proven to me each time that they are rested and ready for the race. Up to this race, my goal has been to run it's entirety without walking. I know this probably sounds a little stupid but I don't have a lot of confidence in my ability so far. After the race today, I can confidently say that I don't expect to walk one. I felt well and continued with a faster pace than originally planned.

We went to pick up our race packet yesterday at Tacky Jack's. We received a large nice bag loaded with all kinds of goodies. By goodies, I do not mean a bunch of advertisements and pamphlets that find their way to the garbage pretty quickly. There were all kinds of tickets for FREE meals, discounts, running equipment, gels...well, you get the idea. Here's a picture of our bags (mine first).

They were a little different. While there we enjoyed great endless nachos and fried dill pickles with Ranch dressing...yummm!!! The second is my favorite! We went back to the camper and rested a little then went back to TJ's for dinner. Yep, you guessed it, we had a spaghetti dinner compliments of the race. The salad was large and we must have gotten a pound of cooked spaghetti each. It was huge!! I took about 2/3 of mine away; I was so full.

Kent got me crossing the Finish Line...woo-hoo!!

I met a nice lady that was in excellent shape. I had seen her run passed the camper a couple of times and she ran in the half today. Afterwards, our paths crossed again. She is from Ontario and has run for over 30 years. But that wasn't the amazing part. She is 74 years old and has run over 100 marathons and many ultras, even a marathon on the Great Wall of China!!! She looked great! Should I say that she finished first in her age group?? She was lively and happy. She is in red and black and hugging Mr. Kaiser (Kaiser Realty) here:

A 23 year old friend of mine and her mother came to run in the half marathon and I was looking forward to seeing them. Deanna and I worked together in Day Camp a couple of years ago. This was her second half to run and her mother's first. We ran together for almost half the race then she ran on a little ahead. Deanna never got out of sight but kept a good pace. I walked through two of the water stops to get a couple of swigs down and keep from dehydrating. She never stopped putting a little more distance between us each time. She did excellent and we ended up being only a minute apart at the end. Good job, Deanna!!

Here's the medal we received; we also got a finishers cup.

After the race, Lester's Restaurant provided vegetable soup, chili, and red beans and rice. There were also hot dogs and homemade hamburgers as well as drinks, chips, and different fruits.

The best part of the whole thing was when I found out that I had placed in my age group!! Never in a million years would I ever expect to do well in a long race. I was so surprised; you can't imagine. They had stands for winners to stand on to receive their awards and have their pictures taken...like Olympians. And, yeah, this will be the closest I get to that one!

Here are some things I got for winning, too.

The coasters are beautifully carved with Kaiser Half Marathon info on it.

And last, but NOT least, the door prizes were amazing. They had great ones for the 5k then more for the half marathon participants. Kent's number was called and he got this great Garmin watch...can you believe they gave these out?? They had 5 of these and a couple of iPads for BOTH drawings.

I know this is a long post but there was so much to say. A lot of our friends ran in the Stennis Half Marathon today and all of them did excellent! Congratulations to all of you, too.

Monday, November 22, 2010

This week has been a little tough but I pushed through it. I'm trying my best to run slower so I can maintain a longer run with some walking. I'm so afraid my body is going to "accept" this slower pace and not be able to run fast in my shorter runs. In all honesty, I've not done speed work since August. Dealing with physical issues of one kind then another has caused me to be cautious in my runs. I didn't want to be "down" and not be able to do the Thanksgiving Half.

Also, preparing for my first full marathon, I'm incorporating this half marathon as part of the training. I get real excited then after talking with others, I get so scared that I can't do it..at all...any way!! I think this is why I'm having a hard time right now. Sometimes I think confidence vs. competence are arch enemies. But confidence has got to be regained...for any run, race, or commitment, even living. Okay...so this is what I will do. Stay focused on my plan, renew my mindset and enjoy my runs.

Presently, the way I run is to do the best I can every time I run. Well, that's not the way you train for long runs. Or IS it?? Maybe best means the best "as directed" and NOT the fastest you're able to run comfortably. Maybe I've been getting confused on the meaning and understanding of this whole thing.

Running has been quite an educational experience. I love to learn and running has opened up a new world for me. I am a data gatherer...really bad!!! In the world of technology, it seems you can never get enough info. But after a couple of months of searching, I think I will stop "looking" for more and agree with all the good stuff I've gotten. AND...and...and just do it! I know this is Nike's logo but I can't begin to tell you how much it has come to play in my own running career.

This week I've run different than I have in a while, especially at the door of a half marathon. I'm usually more "in order" at this time. The good part of the week was my long run on Wednesday. I really like longer runs and 10 miles felt good. All in all, the total for the week was 20.1 miles incorporating some walking with a couple of the runs. Now off we go for another run today. Heads up and Run 4 It!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

It was a beautiful morning to run a 5k...clear and sunny with mild temps. Everyone was really enjoying a great day to be outside. We enjoy this race because it is flat and on a good road. Today was not going to disappoint us. For some pics after the race, I've inserted a slide at the bottom of this post.

The Mayor started the runners with an airhorn. Traditionally, he starts the race. My first mile was good though I started out too fast. It didn't seem any different than before but when I checked my Garmin afterward I ran a 6:30-6:50 pace a couple of times...this is a first for me! I was very excited to see that pop up on the screen, thinking there is potential for future speed. Throughout the race, I ran into the low 7 minute pace. At the halfway point, I was running a 7:09!! This is so good for me. Funny, I didn't realize my pace because I was just running the best I could without pushing. Even with these peaks, something was happening to me along the way I had not experienced before. Though my race didn't seem to be any different from others I'd run, occasionally, I'd reach a sinking spell...for lack of better words. Sometimes I was reaching deep just to maintain a 9:00 pace. Then all of a sudden this would "clear" and I'd be up and going again. It was as though I was "running on low" fuel-wise. Unfortunately, this up-and-down killed my time. Hey, this is only a 5k; so what gives? It was like I had no control over how poor I was running...and this is a great flat course! As I entered the last part of the race, I decided to take it for what it was.

The good news is that many fast runners came out to race. For example, the GM Women's winner came in at 22:57...WOW!!! Congratulations, Louise. And the overall winner, the great Leonard, came in at 17:19, 4 seconds ahead of the second male. He literally battled it out with a 23 year old throughout the entire race. Really, he is great. He directs all the races and does a fantastic job...go Superman! We know you wear a cape...

I'd like to mention some friends who did well...congras! Men: Bill G. - GM MaleRay M. - 2nd place in his a/gPhillip W. - 1st place in his a/gEric W. - 3rd place in his a/gTommy P. - 1st place in his a/gBob C. - 2nd place in his a/g

Women: Nancy P. - 1st place in her a/gAlice H. - 3rd place in her a/g

To me, it is good to see that people are interested in caring for their health. Running is a great way to do this.

I was soooo impressed with the children that ran in the Fun Run. Stephen J. ran excellent at 6:26. He has a great future ahead of him. Nancy, the GCRC Pres, is doing a great job in promoting the fun runs for small children. Hey, if a 3 year old running doesn't blast you from your running woes, nothing will...it did me!! My heart just jumped with joy to see these little kids out running. Go parents!!! Keep 'em going.

When it was all said and done, my overall pace was not too bad maintaining an 8:39. It could have (and should have) been a LOT better considering I just PR'd on a 5k a couple of weeks ago. I haven't worked on speed since August and I really need to do this. I'm looking forward to the spring when I can all out give it what I have again.

Unfortunately, I had a LOT on my mind before I arrived at the race which caused me to be upset and honestly, I think it had a lot to do with the "sinking spells". Needless to say, it caused me to be concerned for the half marathon I'm doing next weekend. So, as it stands now, I will do the best I can and not look back. I'm learning there are good days and there are bad days. BUT...the good news is, I won't give up!! And I will run the best I can. One can't ask for any more than that.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sunday - Rest*Monday - 12 miles on the LLT with Frank while Kent did 9. Felt real good and had a feel-good tired afterward. Tuesday - 3.25 easy miles (ending with the .25 walking) followed by a good workout with weights and floor, ab and core exercises. This was a TM run, not a street one, on a 1.5 grade. Wednesday - Biked for 45 minutesThursday - 6.12 miles consisting of: 5.17 running at 9:28 pace and .95 walk/jog. Would have done a little more to equal a mile but didn't realize I was that close.Friday - 3 miles: 1 walk, 1 jog at 9:51 pace, 1 walkSaturday - Scottish 5k Race. See this post for details. Only had a couple of pictures available to post but more should be available on this site soon.

*On Monday, we changed clothes to do a lot of running around (no pun intended) while we were in Hattiesburg. Went to a boys basketball game in Heidelberg almost as soon as we got home. Earlier that day my right foot seemed to be rubbing my shoe making my big and small toes real sore. By the time we got home that night I could hardly walk. My small toe (which will be referred to as LP-little piggy) was real swollen all the way down my foot with a knot that popped up on it. It felt like a bone, not soft. I was afraid I had broken that tiny thing.

I wore sandals for the next 3 days literally hobbling around, icing it off and on during the day. My schedule on Tuesday was to run 3 easy miles since we would be traveling on Wednesday. So trying to stick to my plan, I did it much slower. Thankfully, mission accomplished.

By Wednesday night, my LP was a lot better and I could not feel the "knot" any more. Biking was a good decision and NO pain whatsoever was felt. I think wearing sandals and icing were good decisions, too. This relieved all pressure that would be applied to my LP if I had worn shoes of any kind. Running shoes were worn only the time I needed to do my running.

Thursday came and my LP seem to be back to normal. My schedule had to run 5 miles so I donned my shoes and off I went. NO pain!!! But there were other challenges during this run...traffic! Though there are signs everywhere to "share the road with runners and bikers" and speed limit signs, not a single driver took it to mean that it applied to THEM. Curves are deep so you have to be very careful as it is. But neither you nor a driver could see around the curves well enough to "prepare" for the other. There's no shoulder on the road and this causes the biker/runner to be ON the narrow road with traffic...so dangerous to say the least!

On Friday I went out to get in 3 easy ones though I don't usually run the day before a race. But since it was a 5k I didn't think it would be a big deal. My walking part was okay, the first and last miles. BUT when I jogged the mile in the middle it became the most dangerous ever! My location, of course, was the deal. My run ended at the entrance of the campground and as I began to cross the street being VERY careful of the traffic, a speeding van came around the sharp curve and literally almost hit me. It wouldn't matter when one would cross the road, this is a very dangerous place. There will no longer be running on that road and looks like I'm going to have to go around in circles or go somewhere in the truck to get in a run while we're here. I will NOT put myself in this situation again. There may not be a second chance. And, I want to do a marathon before I'm through running, ha!

Kent's running is improving and I'm real excited about this. This ended my week with more mileage than scheduled. My totals are: 27.59 miles with 2:92:46 running and walking. So thankful for another great week.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Today's race was different from any we had done before. We've done good at that this year, trying new things. Kent is not as open to this as I have been. Although I probably wouldn't have signed up for this one if we had known that it was more in line with a cross country race. Having my half in just a couple of weeks AND my luck with my body this year I sure wouldn't have taken a chance on stepping in a hole or something and twisting my ankle. If that had happened, I believe I would have told someone to just go ahead and put me down like a horse! I'm tired of dealing with "issues" this year. And I just got over the last one a couple of days ago.

Back to the race: it was a double loop run taking you through dirt and grass around a horse track and back again. I looked at the grade on my Garmin and I noticed that it jumped all over the place. Actually this made me feel better because I was beginning to think that I was getting to be fussy. I don't feel that way if there is justification for how I feel.

Ed was kind enough to take a couple of pictures of us since I did not have my camera. These were taken at the Awards Ceremony. Thanks, Ed. I was pleased with my time considering I was running cautiously. It was 27:33...I received First Place in my age group.

This was a fun race. Thanks to all that help bring it all together. Great job!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

This week started out being a miserable and difficult week to say the least. Last Wednesday, I decided to give myself a week off from running because my groin pain popped back up. I thought I was over that issue, but my body didn't think so. Within a month of my half marathon at Thanksgiving, panic began to set in thinking I would not be able to get in the mileage I needed in order to run a better half. On top of that, my worry increased fearing I would be "put down" long enough that I wouldn't be able to work on distance for my first full marathon. The last one takes months to prepare for and I'm in the window now.

Secondly was the fact I can't seem to narrow down a program to go by for running a full marathon. I've asked friends, read mag articles and searched online for programs until I've overloaded with data. They're all good but differ enough that I have now become confused. Well, with not being able to run each day, this gave me way too much time to worry about it causing me to become indecisive. There are races I want to participate in during this time and still being new at running distant races, I think I'm going to have to make a decision and choose something "close enough" that I can tweak to my ability, times, and racing wants. I just don't want to over-extend and do something stupid.

With that said...Ginny, I'm going to do what you said and come up with one to fit me. Of course, I'll probably ask you and others a hundred questions during this time! Bear with me because I'm a novice in this realm. ALL of your suggestions and tips have been printed and I read them all the time. They are a great help...thanks, thanks, thanks!!

Thirdly, I've been dealing with a personal problem and hope it will go away. There's nothing I can do about this one...so I worry (or try not to).

During this week off, I will say that I walked and stretched most every day and decided to do a race that we had signed up for earlier on Saturday night. Yep, our first night race. It was really fun. See this post for details.

When Thursday arrived ending my week off, I was so ready to try to run again. I hoped I could get in 3 miles of slow running beginning and ending with a mile of walking. Taking it real easy. Not being much of a walker (I'm trying so hard to do better), my run went this way: .5 mile walking, 5 miles running, ending with .6 mile walking. When I got home I worked on my core, did some weights, and stretched. I felt great-with no pain! A wonderful feeling again. Maybe my "rest" did me some good physically (though it just about killed me mentally, ha). This was going to be my only run this week until Saturday.

We had already signed up to run in the Ellisville Rotary Fest 5k Race at the Howard Tech Park. Kent and I signed up to help out so we were there around 6:40 for the 8:00 race. It was 38 when we left home. It had been windy in the park earlier this week but was still now. Thanks, Phillip, for letting us help out. There's a lot to do at races and we were thankful that we could help.

Getting the trophy table set up.

Today I ran without my Garmin or watch of any kind. I had charged it up but for some reason it must have been bumped on because it had no charge when I turned it on. So I put it back in the truck. For some reason, I felt a sense of freedom I'd not felt in a long time. By the time the race began, the sun had come up and warmed the temps to about 42...PERFECT running weather! I had changed into a long sleeve shirt and though it didn't get "hot", I wished I had left my short sleeved one on. Needless to say, it got changed when the race was over.

I felt so good running. Being a flat course made it an easy one to run faster. I wasn't feeling the slightest bit of pain and ran the best I could considering I had just come off of a week's rest. I sure did want to run harder. Frank and I ran together most of the time and he kept me informed of our pace. At the end of the race, he went on ahead. When I got where I could see the clock, I got soooo excited....I was going to get a PR!! If only I had known I was running so well, I would have sped up some and ran with Frank to get an even better time...one that would have been UNDER 26:00! My time was 26:10 and I am more than thrilled with this. As it turned out, I received the Masters Trophy!!

Neil and me with our Masters Trophies.

Kent received 2nd Place in his age group.

When all was said and done, I helped with the race, ran well, got a PR, received the Masters Trophy and left with NO pain!! What a wonderful day this has been. This week ended up being a great one!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Well, outside of being really hurt from my fall earlier this year, this is my first time to make myself stop running totally. Though I've been running quite slow the last couple of weeks, it seems my soreness will pop back up here and there; therefore not giving it adequate time to heal as fast as it should. So after researching the "net" I've decided to take a week off from ANY running hoping this area will completely heal without putting any stress of a run on it. I've done some walking and riding my bike a little and have done more stretching than I've done in this short period than I've ever done. Although I should do more stretching on a regular basis. I am SOOOOO not flexible at all! Reckon I will ever learn to incorporate this regularly??

The only exception I made to this was a 5k we did this weekend. We had already signed up for it and I really wanted to try something different and this one was held at night. Everyone was given 2 glowsticks: one to go around your neck and the other around your wrist. When bent, these give off a glow so traffic could see you. They're kinda hard to see in these pics since it is still daylight here...

It wasn't long before this gorgeous full moon appeared. Snapped a quick one before the race. The picture does NOT do this beautiful moon justice.

The course was well marked as far as turns go, but not marked (or not seen) as far as mileage goes. They had large bright lights along the way that help provide visibility.

My plan was to run as carefully as I could so as not to destroy the time I'd already been "down" and have to start over. This meant running much slower...as far as the race itself is concerned and as far as visibility of the streets was concerned. This is, also, the first time I had not run with my iPod. There is just something about hearing my breathing and foot strikes that I do NOT like. It is so distracting to me. And since I've begun running consistently 2 years ago, I've not run without my music. I made that decision for a couple of reasons so I could be aware of traffic around me and to keep me from running a faster pace. That way I wouldn't be tempted to over-stretch the area I've been babying. My time was absolutely horrible but I was happy when I crossed the line...no pain and no strain. With no concern to winning or PR-ing this event, it really made for happy, stress-free running.

There was a band performing during this whole time that was fantastic. And, may I say not a one looked like they had graduated high school yet! They were all very young. The music AND vocals were phenomal for their age and experience. They played songs from the 70's to present and were very entertaining. This was a family time and many came to support the event. Some came in and some ran in costume. I really wished I could have gotten a picture of one child. She was dressed like a lamp with a lamp shade over her head and two holes cut out to see through and there was a light on just above the rim of the shade...soooo cute!! Especially seeing her dancing around to the music. Kinda reminded me of what you might see on an old Adams Family episode.

Barbecue sandwiches were served to runners and were delicious...yummmm! We stayed for the awards as we really enjoyed the atmosphere, music and children all around. There were 208 runners; their largest race so far. The shirts were nice tech shirts. This is the first time I wore the shirt of the race during the race. The last "runner" was in a wheelchair and pushed by another lady. Several things were amazing...it was a regular wheelchair, the woman appeared to be in her 80's and she was excited to cross the line. They got her medal and left early so I had no stats on this. Would have loved to known them. Such an inspiration from the woman that pushed her...What love! Surprisingly, we both won awards!! And, I do mean surprisingly. I won the Grandmasters and Kent won First Place in his age group. No pictures were taken at this time. But here are our awards...the first one is mine and the second is his.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

This week has been a typical southern week temperature-wise. It was so nice last week only to be followed by some warmer temps. I don't mind that at all as long as the air is cool. By Friday, the temps had dropped in the low 40's again.

Monday brought some changes to my running. As I have the marathon on my mind, I'm trying to adapt to things I've not normally done. One thing is that I wore a fuel belt for the first time carrying my water with me for hydration. In the past, preparing for a half marathon, Kent has ridden his bike alongside me on my longer runs to hand me water. But this time, I wanted to be self-sufficient as much as I could be. Carried my water, GU gel, iPod and cellphone. The GU was not bad and had no idea what to expect. I got to where I could manage "whipping out" my water bottle, placed behind me, like it was a six-shooter. Got pretty good at that. The longer I ran the easier it got and then realized that it was attributed to less weight of water as I drank more and more. The belt takes some getting use to, but can be done.

Planning to do 11-12 miles, I mistakenly pressed the "start" on my Garmin twice and didn't know it. I had stopped for refreshment and thought I had started it again until I looked down and saw where it was not "clocking". Though I got my mileage correct, my husband took information I had gotten by pressing "lap" during that part of the missed run (on the way back) in order to come out with a total on time and calories. It is within a couple of seconds from being exact. He's great at figuring these kind of things. I just hated I messed this up on a long run.

Tuesday was a very busy day but had planned on a "rest" day after the long run on Monday. Wednesday, my legs felt heavy but running with Frank helped me eke out 5 recovery miles. Though I didn't restart my watch, we walked an additional mile c/d, giving me a total of 6 miles for the day.

Thursday, Kent and I ran at the Howard Tech Park for the first time, other than running the Rotary 5k race held there. It was very nice. While eating an apple and drinking our water, we sat on a bench overlooking the little pond. It was so peaceful and nice. I do think we will run there again.

On Friday I planned an easy 3-miler but I felt soooo good, mentally and physically, that I enjoyed a tempo run instead. Now that I'm running longer I don't look at 3 miles as much any more.

Earlier this week, one of my Tuesday running buddies, Catherine, contacted me to see if I would be interested in joining her and some others to run 8 miles on Saturday. I was very excited because I'm always wanting to meet other local runners. This group is preparing to run in the Jazz Half Marathon in New Orleans at the end of the month and needed to put in a distance run. As it turned out, 5 basically ran together while 2 others wanted a longer run therefore they began earlier and came in later.

I had wanted to run a 10:00 minute pace in order to prepare for running slower and longer but it didn't happen that way. I wasn't use to running roads, per se', and it was a little challenging for me. As we all spread out to a comfortable pace, I somehow ended up by myself...in the middle of the group. Using my iPod kept me at a little faster pace than planned. As it turned out, my overall pace was 9:49. I've got to work on this slower pace thingy.

When everyone was in, we enjoyed a nice hot breakfast and good fellowship. Here is a picture of those that ran. Are we not "hot" or what??

Before everyone started leaving, Ms. Caroline brought out a surprise for all of us. She had had t-shirts made with the day's info on it. "CR8" means: CR (County Road) 8, 8:00 we started and 8 miles. Is this not cool or what!!! I love the catchy saying.

And here we are all spiffy with them on. Oh yeah, to be festive, she gave us leis, too. She's so cool!

I finished the week with my best mileage yet, 34.62 miles! About 1.5 of those miles were walking. What a great way to end the week!! I'm so thankful I'm healthy.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Yep, 5=30. That is, 5 days of running equals (actually) 30.57 miles of running to include .5 mile of walking yesterday. Woo-hoo!! I've only run this much only once or twice and I am excited to reach this number again. Now, I'm hungry for more!!!

This has been a great week. The weather and temperatures have been perfect in the 40's with some warming up on Friday's run. I have felt fantastic running and on top of that I've not experienced pain anywhere for the first time in a long time. This has been a year of tests for me starting with my fall in February at the Mardi Gras Half Marathon. Looking forward to great fall running and a new year.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

This week has been an absolutely gorgeous week with perfect weather and temps! I can hardly wait each day to don my running shoes and head out the door. The average temp when I leave the house has been 43 degrees and by the time I'm heated up it's in the low 50s. Breathing fresh, cool air makes for an exhiliarating run.

I've had mixed runs this week. Kent and I have had the pleasure of visiting with his cousin and wife from Colorado while they are in town. We've spent more time with them than we ever have before. I just love them. They are so easy to be around. And with us running every day, they have elected to join us most days. Ronnie ran Sunday morning. We joined him and Judy, as well as a local friend, Frank, for a run on Monday. As it turned out, Frank lived around the corner from Ronnie when they were kids and played together. What a coincidence! Our visiting afterwards was like a reunion.

Monday is usually my distance day because I normally take off running on Sunday so I'm good and rested for it. But this week we changed it up a bit. I ran 5 miles with Frank while Kent and Ronnie ran together. Judy walked and was able to run a tad; but she is working around a broken foot and it was braced. To begin with, she recently had knee surgery on that leg; shortly afterward, she turned her foot while at the house and broke her foot. She's doing exceptionally well considering.

On Tuesday, we headed out for my long run on the Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg. Plans were to put in 10 miles. It's been quite a while since I've run a double-digit mile and was looking forward to it. With the weather so nice, I felt great and ended up making it an 11 mile run! I was very excited. Unfortunately, I did not plan my water breaks correctly and was quite tired, thirsty and exhausted afterward. This won't happen again. It's an experience-thing! I drank my water and stopped at a store to get a banana and shortly I was on top again and was able to relish in my accomplishment.

I passed Kent toward the end of his planned 6.5 miles and he looked great. Heat and humidity have a terrible negative affect on him because he loses so much fluid and he gets weak. But not Tuesday. When I got in he was so excited and began to tell me to ask him how he did. You know, like a kid would do...guess what I did?...guess what I did?... Throughout the last couple of weeks I've talked so much about the Rock-n-Roll Half in New Orleans last February and getting excited about doing it again that it has rubbed off on him. He's been thinking that he might could run/walk it. His run went so well, too, that he extended his 6.5 to 8.5 miles!! We were both stoked! He is beginning to see that the Half may be something he can accomplish. I know he can as I've done it and, to me, it was easy because it was fun (except for my fall, which won't keep me from doing it again). The Rock-n-Roll's are a lot of fun!

I am ahead of schedule preparing for my half coming up at Thanksgiving that now I'm toying with the idea of using this time to work on doing the Full Marathon at the Rock-n-Roll! It seems to be on my mind a lot. Though I would love to run the entire thing, I will not put that pressure on me and accept walking some if I have to. Sooooo, I'm about to talk myself into doing it.

Wednesday we all met again at the Sportsplex and ran like we did on Monday. And, today Kent went to the pool while I ran quietly on the streets. It just doesn't seem like I've put in so many miles this week. And if it wasn't for our garage sale on Saturday, there would be plans to run somewhere then. I'll put in a few more miles tomorrow and that will end my mileage for the week.

I hope everyone gets a chance to get outside and do something good for your body. Please try to make some time to enjoy this wonderful, God sent season!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Last week was a great week in many ways. I felt so good. The weather has taken a turn for the good bringing us a very pleasant fall. I enjoyed running in the cooler temps and adding a mile each week has been working out well. In the last few weeks, we both have been strong enough to win awards in the races we have participated in. That's always so nice and such a nice thing to experience.

We both ran in the South Central Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) 5k on Saturday. It was another gorgeous day with temps in the low 50's. The sun was out and the sky was so blue. There was no wind or rain and everything was perfect for racing. I had some apprehension regarding the race. I've not raced in Laurel before and I knew this one was going to be hilly. It will be my first to race on hills. But as it went, it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. Still nursing this groin pain some, I didn't push my limits as I want to continue to add mileage each week and not take a chance in being laid up on the couch for a while.

Happy to be running today.

Frank is so kind to take photos at the PineBelt Pacer events. He is greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time and skill. He received 2nd Place in his age group...congrats! Also, a big "Thank You" to Charles Jackson and Terry Lawhead for running the clock for us!! We know times were accurate because they were in charge!

Around the table checking out the results.

We both received awards and were very happy about that. Kent got 2nd place in his age group and I received the GrandMasters Trophy. I was so grateful as I had prepared as best I could to run the hills.

Tom & Kent (1st & 2nd respectively)

Me with my Grandmasters Trophy...it's so purdy!!

Others that ran with us (not sure if they are all Pacers or not) are: Karen Lott, Dennis & Renee Bisnette, Gary Thornton, Serina Williamson, and Sandra Wargel. Also, running were friends, Gary & Sherri Dykes. He placed in his a/g and Sherri had a PR (I think). My Tuesday running buddy, Catherine, and her cousin, Caroline, as well as Donna and Christina ran. (I hope I didn't leave anyone else out.) Unfortunately, Karen fell when she began the climb up the brick street. She had to walk some as she hurt her knee. It was swollen and one of her fingers was cut. I hope she is better now. All in all, it was a great day...

Monday, September 27, 2010

This morning we got up early to go run in the cool temps. It was so nice at 65 degrees. The funniest thing happened just before we began running. When I got out of the truck I looked down and saw something dark go underneath my leg as I was gearing up. The first thing I thought was that something fell out of the truck and the wind swooped it up and blew it under the truck. I was hoping I wouldn't need it because it was gone! Within a couple of seconds, I heard Kent yell out and throw open the driver's side of the door. There seemed to be something inside the truck; it was all happening so fast. All I could tell was that he was moving as fast as he could trying to get out. Then I saw something dark leave the truck. He said a bird flew inside the truck and was up against the window of the driver's side where he was sitting. To be honest, I don't know which was the most anxious: him trying to get the truck open or this small bird trying to get out! It was hilarious and we both had a good laugh over it...especially since neither he nor the little bird got hurt trying to get free.

Our runs were very good today. I had hoped to get in 8 miles like last week but I really wanted to increase it a mile. As of last night, I still wasn't sure whether I would feel like it or whether it would be too hot in the sun to run this extra mile. BUT...it rained a lot yesterday and brought in a cool front last night - a glorious, wonderful cool front. It was absolutely a beautiful, clear day with blue skies and warm sun.

When we finished we soaked in a hot jacuzzi...soooo relaxing. After we cleaned up, we went out for po-boys and a cold Barq's Root Beer and ate them on the patio outside. Kent had a sloppy roast beef and gravy po-boy and I had a shrimp. Yummm!!! It's been a perfect day...hope you had one, too.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The race today was a great one! It started at 8:00 a.m. in pretty high humidity. The course took you through a very lovely, shady neighborhood. Did I say shady? I loved running through this area. There was even a little breeze to go along with the scenery. It was so nice. It wasn't as hot as it had been, but let me tell you, we're still having summer temps here.

Kent decided when we got there that he would change from running to walking. He's been nursing a pull in his hamstring for a couple of weeks or so. Though he ran in the race last week, he decided he needed to slow it down this time. I thought he did great. My plan today was to run as best I could without running hard. I'm still experiencing some pain in my left groin but am happy to say that it is getting better. I've finally found a good pair of shoes that I am loving. The pain I was experiencing in my right foot has gone away. I will be glad when my body starts cooperating again and I can start running like I use to...freely and painfree! Guess I can say that my year this year has been quite different than I had hoped. Maybe I just needed to go through challenges I've not had before.

Congratulations, Leonard, for winning first place and organizing a great race!! Out of the first 6 people that crossed the line, 3 of them were over 50! You can't keep us down...okay I said it, I'm over 50, too. I didn't get many pictures today but here are the few taken.

Jeanne getting her award

A couple of pictures of some really cute little girls and their awards

Kent receiving his 3rd Place RW Award

And, finally, Debra, me and Nancy (3rd, 2nd, and 1st)

Leonard and those helping him did a great job putting the race on. Run-n-Tri was a great sponsor, too (the race was held at their location). There was plenty of drinks and fruit (always a welcomed refreshment). There were even some door prizes. Congratulations to everyone that ran and, of course, to those that won an award.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Saturday (Sept. 18), we ran in the Jones County Jr. College Bobcat 5k Race. It was quite humid and warm. When we left the house, our gauge read 94% humidity. Though it's hot to me, it is difficult for Kent. There was a good turnout; this is their fourth year to have it.

The course was well marked and they had people posted on all corners. Many students participated, which is good and bad. I'm glad to see young adults out running but most don't take it serious and were kind of a hassel to race with. You were constantly dodging them after they sprinted ahead of you only to stop and walk until you passed them again...over and over again. But with all that said, it was a little better than last year. The race was mapped throughout the campus, to the President's home and along the streets ending with a lap in the stadium.

I had to take it easy in this race. Originally, we had signed up to walk it. But when we got there, I knew I had to change. If I wanted to run, then I would be disqualified if I had signed up to walk. But I could walk if I signed up to run. After I did that, Kent got to rethinking his decision and eventually changed his to running, also. I'm so glad I did. I had experienced some left goin pain earlier this week but was able to "baby" it. As it turned out, I felt well enough to run this little hilly race in its entirety. I didn't push it and just ran the best I could.

After Kent got rehydrated, we had good refreshments and enjoyed great fellowship with several friends. There were lots of wonderful fruit with drink which was soooo welcomed after such a hot race. Then there were cookies and crackers, too. We saw some with Smoothie King cups but never found the smoothies. Below is a group picture of Audrey, Ginny, me and Kent all absolutely drenched but brandishing huge smiles. It is so much fun to run with friends.

As it turned out there were many Pacers that won awards. Frank not only took pictures but was the recipient of an award, too; thanks! Congratulations to all the winners!

I was excited I had fully run the race. The results were wonderfully unexpected and paid off, too. I received the Grand Masters Award and all I wanted was to be able to run the whole race. What a surprise!!

Monday, September 13, 2010

All I can say is how great I feel today. I woke up to a 61 degree temp and a spring in my step. Soon we were headed out to do our morning run. I took off yesterday and was anxious (with the nice temp) to see what I could do. My run started off the same as Saturday with walking a half mile followed by a slow jog for a half mile; I did this for 3-4 miles all the time thinking I had put in about as much as I could. Then I caught up with a lady I'd seen last week and talked with her. She was walking and I was ending my walking. She is very nice and close to my age. Sylvia and I walked a little and then we began running slow. She does not run much (but I'm going to work on that). Before I knew it, we had gotten back to our vehicles and had put in a couple of miles or so. We exchanged phone numbers and I'm looking forward to doing this again. When I looked at my Garmin I was shocked to see that I had clocked in 7 miles even!! I hadn't even realized it. Most of it ended up being a good, slow run. First, I didn't think I would be able to run and second, it's been a while since I'd run that far. In all honesty, I really believe the weather had a lot to do with it; but who cares? It's done!! I'm now happy and sassy!!

Don't let anything stop you from doing something good for your body today...

I'll have to admit last week was unusual. I thought having certain "things" were down-pat but guess my running is making a change...for the positive! Being off from any exertion for a couple of days, I was about to go crazy. Funny, how you can talk yourself out of running and it's okay but when you're told to stop a few days, you're dying to get out again. Anyway, I thought...okay, I know that can be dangerous; but in this case it was a breakthrough. Why can't I just get out and do some walking. I mean, after all, walking a Walmart Superstore or a Lowe's is about 3 acres (maybe not that many) but by the time you go from one end to the other a time or two, you're bound to have walked a mile or so.

Friday came along and with that thought still bouncing around in my head, I decided to go with Kent and see what I could do. I was able to get in 4 easy miles with no running. I tried to add a little running but knew by the third step that was NOT the thing to do. On Saturday, we had a funeral to attend at 2:00 and waited to do our run/walk after then. This time, I was able to add a little bit of slow jogging throughout the 4 miles I got in then. I felt pretty good but did feel a "pull" and some pressure at that site. My running/walking total miles this week ended up with a tad over 20. I'm real excited about this as I wanted to maintain a weekly mileage of 20+. Maybe I'm learning how to listen and control my body better.

Each day brings a challenge of sort to all runners, whether it is to increase your speed or your mileage, whether it is to overcome heat and humidity or to brazen the cold and wind. Running is NEVER boring!!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

So much happened on this day. It started out with my regular run with two others at 5:00 a.m. It was not as cool as it was a day earlier. Although running this early did help keep the heat from being too bad, the humidity was VERY high. After running a mile, Catherine said she was not up to running any more. She had run 10 miles the previous day and I guess it had caught up with her. So we walked the rest of the way ending with 4.21 miles according to my Garmin. She walks fast so it was a good workout.

When I got home, Kent mentioned that he wanted to go run. I began thinking that "Yeah, I want to, too!". So off came the wet clothes replaced by some fresh, clean, dry ones and away we went. Within a short time, we were running. I decided to run on the treadmill because I wasn't sure how far I would feel like going since I had done 4 miles on the streets. BUT...I felt great!!

Right after I got started I realized that this was going to be a good run. So with about three miles in mind (this would give me 7 total), I increased my speed. As I got into my third lap, one of the personnel came up and told me that our lights were on in the car. This aggravated me because I was running so well. Now, how in the world am I going to register this with a break in the run. The treadmills cut off just seconds after stopping it; they don't pause long. So I ran outside real fast, hoping I could beat the time before it turned off but didn't make it. I had to start all over. So my total time is real close but not exact. Because of being in the middle of a lap my figuring ended up being a little weird, too.

Regardless I stayed focused; I felt so good, got back on and ran harder and faster than I did before getting off. Now, I've become quite a techy with my Garmin and recording my runs/times/paces/calories, etc., so when I began trying to figure when a good time to stop at the end of a mile would be, I'd add a lap, then say, no I need another 2 laps, then my figuring got off again, I added another lap...well, you see where this was going. I wanted to run and not spend mental energy on FIGURING!! So, when I thought I was at a decent length, I called it quits. The problem: I only needed a couple more laps to equal 10 miles for the day!!!! If only....BUT I'm so excited to record a total mileage of 9.5 miles. This is way more than I would have ever figured I could do without having "inched" up to that distance.

Though my day had ended as far as working out goes, it was just beginning with having to go have a minor procedure done in Jackson. This is done every 5 months and detains my running for 10-14 days. I know it takes about that long because I tried to run in a race 5 days afterward a while back and thought I would die. So, here I am writing my article and catching up on my blog. Feeling better than I ever have after this procedure, I'm thinking of going out to walk some today. Maybe this won't kill me and give me some endorphins to play around with.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

We participated in the Labor Your Legs 5k at Cloverleaf Mall in Hattiesburg on Monday. The temp was great! Nice and cool compared to the sweltering heat we've been experiencing this summer. There was a great turnout and the ones that managed the race did an excellent job! There was plenty of water, drink and refreshments.

Here is a pre-race picture of Sonja, Ginny, me and Kent. This is a good picture but wish it was a little larger.

My goal was to run the best I could according to the way I felt. My running outside has been extremely limited and mostly been confined to treadmill workouts. So when I've run in races lately I've had the "challenge" of adjusting to the heat and humidity. And though my fall in the half marathon this year has been a while back, I was out of pocket so long that I lost my speed and gained some weight. Then summer came with a vengence and kept me inside. Even a few pounds can make a difference in your speed and how you feel. I still need to lose 5 pounds...these are the tough ones because they come and go so quickly and don't stay at the lower end of the scale for long. If you're not careful they will "stick" on the higher end. This has been a constant struggle for me. Believe it or not, I don't feel good inside when I have these 5 hanging on.

Today was an exception because everything seemed perfect for a change. Kyle and Myssey even came by to cheer us on. We've not had "an audience" before and was excited to see them. Well, I haven't. I've always been there for Kent throughout the years, but still this was different because our son and his wife was there. Thanks, guys!

I finished with a good time and now can't wait to get this back in order. Kent was able to run a better time than he had in quite a while. I received First Place in my age group. Many pictures can be found at Pat Mitchell Photography site and at Frank's page. If you have trouble connecting, please let me know and I'll get it fixed.

Here we are during the awards ceremony and lastly, me receiving my award.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

I am happy that I can say that I have been consistent with my running last week. Though it was a tough one physically, I pushed through. Even yesterday was a hard one. But in review, I am more than pleased that I put in as many miles as I did. This is the first time in a while I've put in a decent amount of mileage. And I am proud to report...30.57 miles!!! Woo-hoo!!

The week was filled with a lot of new things and adventures. It is the first time I've run on the streets in Laurel, first time to run on streets with some hills, first time to run so early in the morning, first time to run with 2 new friends, and first time to run this much when fighting the "I don't want to's".

I wasn't feel well nearly all week but couldn't put my finger on it. Then Monday, it came to me that I have been fighting sinus problems all week. Last Tuesday, a cool front came through and each year when these start, I suffer from sinus headaches and sore throats. I'd not taken much medication (I really put off doing this until I absolutely have to, except for race days) and I felt sluggish, draggy and all around slothful and whiny. I truly do not know how in the world I came out with 30 miles.

I am experiencing running differently than before. I know I can run now and even at a decent pace (for my age and experience), but now I'm entering a different level, the mental part. I guess this is the hardest part of running, except for dealing with injuries. I am so thankful that I have great running friends that encourage me and keep tabs on me. And with the posting of their runs, it has pulled me through last week's trials. With that said, my hat's off to you for being special to me! Be kind to one another, you never know who or how you affect others!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Today began with a great run with new friends. It also marked the first of several adventures for me. Let me start by saying that I have NOT run on the streets in Laurel before. Yeah, that's right. Call me a chicken but I didn't want to take a chance meeting up with an "unfriendly" dog. Being bit a couple of times in the past just brings back frightening memories. So I just don't go down that road any more...no pun intended!

With that being said...I met a nice lady last week at BodyWorks where I have been doing my treadmill runs this summer. She began at a pretty high speed increasing to an even faster pace. I was almost at the end of my run and she only put in two miles having us finish about the same time. Although I was interested in who she was and if she lived locally (I had been wanting to meet someone who ran in my area), my first interest was in her iPod armband. I'm always trying to find a better way to wear my iPod and I really liked hers. After briefly talking, it came out that she has run for a while and that she did live locally. Then she invited me to join her and another friend to run with them early Tuesday mornings. I was elated!! This has been a dream come true. But it wasn't just about meeting up with someone, other things fell right in place, too. I need the companionship of other lady runners of different levels (check), wanted to run the streets in Laurel (check), include a run with a little hill work (check), and running early in the morning (check). WOW!! What an accomplishment today; all in one. Though Lesley is an experienced runner Catherine is new at running. She began running in February. She's doing fantastic and is building her endurance by leaps and bounds. She ran 8 miles last Saturday!! Both of these ladies will never know how much it meant for me to share their run with them today. I can hardly wait until next Tuesday!!

Tonight we had our weekly Trek the Trace with our Pine Belt Pacers group. This time we met up with USM's Track Club and had our pictures taken with them. Our Trek the Trace run this week was a duo/couple 2 mile run. Some of them joined us. Each "couple" predicts the time it takes TWO of you to finish and you must come across the line together. Being a predicted run, it doesn't matter how fast you are. It's how close you come to guessing when you will finish. Kent and I ran together and I really like it. We never do this and tonight brought back memories of how much I enjoyed it last year. I'm not sure what our time was but I didn't care. There was great food and fellowship afterward with pizza and other things. It is so much fun and I wished we could do this more than one month a year. Even once a month would be great. Below are a few pictures taken by Frank...thanks!

USM Track Coach with team and Ben Hughes, Pine Belt Pacer, and other Pacers

Julian, a USM Track Club Member

Mitzie and Terry

Beside me are Raul and Ginny, good friends

Caught in action. Everyone seem to know what was about to happen, but me!

Secrets to Running a 5k

Here is an excellent site for those who have thought about running a 5k race but just hadn't made that move yet. There's tips, directions and even a section on what to wear. If you have never run a race, you are missing out on a lot of fun. You will have support from most everyone you meet. Now for the site...click here to change your life and get started!